Program

Medical Laboratory Science is a five-semester program designed to prepare the student to function as a member of the clinical laboratory staff. The technician performs routine procedures under the supervision of medical technologists and pathologists. Duties of the medical laboratory technician include performing such tests as complete blood counts, urinalysis, cross matching blood for transfusion, identifying pathogenic organisms, and analyzing blood and other body fluids for chemical components. Results of these procedures aid the physician by providing 70 percent of the diagnostic and maintenance health care information used by physicians.

Career opportunities for the MLT are found in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, and privately owned medical and industrial laboratories in most locations throughout the United States. Advancement in the field is possible as work experience and continued education are acquired.

The student must be able to sit, stand for short periods of time, use a microscope, and be able to lift 25 pounds.

The program has begun the process to become accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Graduates will be eligible to sit for national certification examination administered by the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology and/or other national organizations. Currently, the program has a 90 percent graduation rate and an 80 percent job placement rate within the first three months of graduation.

Admission ProgressThe freshman year of the program is open to any student. Admission to the sophomore year professional program is limited to 10 students, and a separate application is required. Applicants will be selected based upon a point system derived from a combination of prerequisite GPA and TEAS V scores. Students will be allowed to take the TEAS V three times and the highest TEAS V score on file at the application deadline will be the score that is accepted. For additional information, contact the program director.

SAS - A course required for all first-time, full-time degree-seeking students and students who test into two or more basic studies courses.

If you are interested in further information regarding this program, please contact:Dean of Health and Natural SciencesPhone: 870-864-7102; Fax: 870-864-7140

Admission Process

The freshman year of the program is open to any student. Admission to the sophomore year professional program is limited to 10 students, and a separate application is required. Applicants will be selected based upon a point system derived from a combination of prerequisite GPA and TEAS V scores. Students will be allowed to take the TEAS V three times and the highest TEAS V score on file at the application deadline will be the score that is accepted. For additional information, contact the program director.

Application Process

Complete application process to SouthArk.

Applicants are eligible for an MLT Program application packet after placement test (ASSET, COMPASS, or ACT) scores or classes are completed showing no basic skills deficiency and successful completion of prerequisite courses.

Complete MLS application packet. Applications can be picked up from the HNS Career Advisor, HSC #217.

Take the TEAS V and meet minimum score requirements. Check with the Health Science Advisor for details.

Following submission of the MLS application packet and completion of the academic requirements, interviews for the clinical program will be scheduled.

Formal admission to the A.A.S. clinical program occurs upon completion of the preclinical requirements. Admission is based upon cumulative and selected grade point averages and ranking based upon criteria listed in the SACC catalog.

Application Deadlines

To apply for admission to a HNS Professional Program, applicants must have completed:

all basic studies requirements,

all prerequisite classes (or be currently enrolled in) as specified in the SouthArk catalog for each professional program.

See SouthArk catalog for specifics regarding each program's requirements and/or consult program advisor.